Marsha Kaye Ash

Marsha Kaye Ash, 83, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away Friday, January 23, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis Davenport Medical Center.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois. Family and friends are invited to Riverfront Grille in Rock Island for a gathering after the visitation. Memorials may be made to the Art Academy at the Figge Art Museum in Marsha’s memory.

Marsha was born on December 28, 1942, in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of Norman B. and Mardelle F. (Meurling) Blunt. She graduated from Rock Island High School in 1960 and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Black Hawk College in Moline.

Marsha had a lifelong love of art. She studied locally with area artists and further developed her skills by attending Plein Air painting workshops in Arizona. She was employed by the Black Hawk Area Education District as a preschool screener for 23 years, where she dedicated herself to serving others.

She was a sustaining member of the Junior Board of Rock Island and served as chairwoman of the Mardi Gras Committee. Marsha generously donated her artwork to numerous causes, including the Norma Leah Ovarian Cancer Initiative fundraiser and the cello fundraiser for the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.

In her free time, Marsha enjoyed art, sewing, and quilting. Above all, she cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Marsha also loved the family dogs Moose, Savvy, and Sitka.

Marsha married F. John Piehl in 1961, and together they had three sons. He preceded her in death in 1999. She later married James L. Ash in 2003, who preceded her in death in 2014.

Those left to cherish Marsha’s memory include her sons, Gregory Scott Piehl, Robert John Piehl (Kelly Rock), and Thomas Frederick Piehl (Tiffany); granddaughters, Monica Ashley Golinvaux (Barry), Marissa Kay Watts (Michael), Abbey Catherine DeClercq (Devin), Lauren Kay Lovedy (Dan), Olivia Marie Adamson (Ethan), Julia Nelle Piehl; grandson, Samuel John Piehl; and great grandsons, Lincoln Lovedy, Colton Golinvaux, Theodore Lovedy, Malcolm Watts, Myles Watts, and Oliver Lovedy.

Marsha was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, John and Jim; and brother, Kenneth V. Blunt.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Marsha’s family at www.wheelanpressly.com.

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